Public Statements

Statement

U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) said Minnesota waterways and shipping infrastructure will get much-needed upgrades under the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate today. The measure also invests in flood protection for Fargo-Moorhead and Roseau, which have been hard hit in recent years.

"Investing in our waterways infrastructure is good for Minnesota and good for the country-it creates jobs and spurs economic growth, helps critical industries remain competitive, and provides protection from devastating natural disasters," said Sen. Franken. "By passing the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act, we are enabling growth in mining, manufacturing and construction, and helping Minnesotans who are impacted yearly by flooding."

The Senate passed the bipartisan measure 83-to-14. Sen. Franken said he hopes that the U.S. House of Representatives will take up and pass the bill in a timely fashion.